President’s Welcome

Most people will agree that The Parade is the hub of Claygate life, and few would dispute that the Flower Show is the pinnacle of the village year.  The Show reflects all that is good in our vibrant and thriving community and blends the ‘way things were’ with changes to reflect modern trends.

Whilst it is primarily concerned with horticulture, the Show is also a way to showcase local talents in a variety of different areas.  There is something for everyone, including the children, and it is heartening to know that a quarter of the exhibits in the marquee are from juniors, whom we hope will be the Claygate residents and adult exhibitors of tomorrow.

View the 2009 Leaflet

Now over one hundred years old, the event is the largest private flower show in Surrey, and continues to attract in excess of 5000 visitors each year. One example of longevity is the presence of the Guyatt family, who have been delighting Claygate children with their funfair for almost 90 years.

2009 sees the return of the farm animals, which have been absent for a number of years and were always a favourite with young visitors. Many of this year’s entertainers and stallholders are regular visitors and have adapted their activities to today’s interests and needs; some are here for the first time and will engage us with their new and innovative ideas.  Many of them will become firm favourites for the future.

Claygate’s appeal is not only that it is a pretty village but is also about the people who live here.  The reason for the continuing success of the Show and the village atmosphere is the strong community spirit, which is evident in the support given to the Show each year. 

I am very proud to be a part of the dedicated team that has made the Show happen again this year.  We all look forward to a happy and sunny afternoon in the company of friends and neighbours, social networking Claygate style, not on-line but in the old fashioned way that epitomises Claygate – and long may it stay that way.

Barry Fitzpatrick, Flower Show President 2009

A wonderful time at the 2009 Show ……

Fingers were crossed for the weather at the Claygate Flower & Village Show on Saturday 18 July, and we were not disappointed.  The sun shone all afternoon on the recreation ground and on those who attended, and it wasn’t until very late in the day that the showers began to make their presence felt.

After the official opening by the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr James Vickers, as many as five thousand people thronged the ground.  The exhibition tent looked magnificent and boasted its fine array of flowers, fruit and vegetables, lovingly grown and shown by the exhibitors.  Many domestic offerings were also on show, including cakes, sponges, biscuits, jams and home-made wines.  There was some beautiful floral artistry, plus attractive displays of art and crafts, together with a vast range of photographic exhibits.  The junior section buzzed with activity all day and again there was a noticeable increase in the number of children’s exhibits.

This year marked the return of the Animals – always a firm favourite with the children, who revelled in stroking and cuddling them.  Beyond the large marquee, the funfair thrilled the younger members of Claygate, and there was plenty of fun to be had at the dog show, the children’s races and the classic car & bike display.  The penalty shoot-out featuring Claygate Royals FC proved to be a very popular feature again this year, and in the main arena there was entertainment from Zoe Bennett’s Danzclub, Chadsworth Stage school and Stagecoach Theatre Arts school.  

The Claygate Scout & Guide Band marched through the ground to start the afternoon off, and gave another performance on the arena a little later, followed by the Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts display which wowed all the onlookers.  Punch & Judy were very popular and made everyone laugh, and the Thames Valley Morris Men made a couple of appearances on the arena and were joined by a guest group of female Morris dancers.  The great balloon race had lift-off throughout the afternoon, and who knows where all the balloons will travel?

At the end of the afternoon the worthy prize winners received cups and trophies and awards were then made to the Claygate In Bloom front garden and pub-frontage winners.  Prize money was distributed, the Grand Draw was drawn and items donated from the exhibition tent were auctioned to lucky bidders. 

Another successful Claygate Flower & Village Show – and we are already looking forward to next year’s show on Saturday 17 July 2010.

Information about the Show

The Claygate Flower Show, first held in July 1903, provides the big day out in the village and attracts to therecreation ground an attendance of 5,000 people. The date, this year, is Saturday 19th July.

It is primarily an exhibition of horticulture, flowers, arts and crafts in over 200 separate classes, all of which are properly judged with the award of cups and monetary prizes. There is a large junior section well supported by local schools and this display together with the main exhibition is presented in a 70 metres long marquee.

This, however, is only part of the day’s activities. There are continuous events in the main arena including children’s dancing, a brass band, Morris dancers and a professional comedy act.

Also to be seen and patronised are the numerous charity stalls, the refreshment pavilion, a couple of drinks tents, and beside all this a traditional funfair with the usual rides and entertainment.

The Show provides the opportunity not only for local people to meet in a convivial setting but also for them to show off what they can grow, make or design. There is great scope in the 200 classes ranging from runner beans and embroidery to portrait painting and Victoria Sandwich. It is fun to take part – and one might even win a prize!